AI JOB RISK SCANNER
O*NET-SOC 51-4034.00 / model V11 rated-task engine

Will AI replace
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

Estimated AI task exposure
14%

Low exposure

V11 weights occupation tasks using O*NET Importance, Relevance and Frequency ratings instead of treating every task equally.

18 tasks have usable Task Rating records; weighted-task coverage is 100%.

Digital/info work

34/100

Physical moat

77/100

Human moat

18/100

Rating coverage

100%

18 task statements / 18 rated

Highest-weighted occupation tasks

Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
Importance 84/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 80/100Weight 0.89
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
Importance 81/100Relevance 95/100Frequency 80/100Weight 0.86
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
Importance 80/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 74/100Weight 0.86
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
Importance 83/100Relevance 90/100Frequency 79/100Weight 0.84
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
Importance 82/100Relevance 90/100Frequency 78/100Weight 0.84
Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
Importance 76/100Relevance 98/100Frequency 72/100Weight 0.84
Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
Importance 78/100Relevance 93/100Frequency 76/100Weight 0.83
Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
Importance 76/100Relevance 94/100Frequency 70/100Weight 0.81
Clean work area.
Importance 70/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 68/100Weight 0.81
Program computer numerical control machines.
Importance 73/100Relevance 94/100Frequency 68/100Weight 0.80

Task weighting

Each rated task receives a composite weight: 38% relevance, 37% importance and 25% frequency. Core tasks receive a small additional multiplier. Low-precision rows flagged by O*NET for suppression are excluded.

Occupation scoring

When rating coverage is strong, rated tasks contribute 60% of the digital, physical and human task signals and Work Activities contribute 40%. Lower-coverage occupations automatically rely more on Work Activities.

U.S. labor market

BLS Wage & Employment Outlook

Median annual wage

$50,620

BLS OEWS May 2025

National employment

16,710

BLS OEWS May 2025

Projected growth

-11.3%

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

Average annual openings

1

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

BLS labor-market figures are separate from the site's AI-exposure model. Missing values mean a compatible detailed BLS occupation estimate was not published or could not be mapped.

Career pivot radar

Safer Career Alternatives

These options are selected from the same 923-occupation model. They favor a similar task/work profile with meaningfully lower estimated AI exposure. They are suggestions for exploration, not guarantees of job fit.

SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Helpers--Extraction Workers

5%

9 points lower exposure • 94% profile similarity

Median wage: $47,730 Growth 2025–2035: +1.7% Annual openings: 1

more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

5%

9 points lower exposure • 94% profile similarity

Median wage: $56,210 Growth 2025–2035: +4.4% Annual openings: 1

more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

5%

9 points lower exposure • 94% profile similarity

Median wage: $65,510 Growth 2025–2035: +6.7% Annual openings: 15

more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

6%

8 points lower exposure • 96% profile similarity

Median wage: $63,870 Growth 2025–2035: -3.4% Annual openings: 0

similar work profile with lower modeled exposure
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

5%

9 points lower exposure • 94% profile similarity

Median wage: $64,120 Growth 2025–2035: +29.5% Annual openings: 2

more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

8%

6 points lower exposure • 96% profile similarity

Median wage: $79,870 Growth 2025–2035: +5.4% Annual openings: 11

more physical-world work

Personalized career defense protocol

AI-Proofing Plan

AUTOMATE

    AUGMENT

    • administrative support tasks
    • planning and documentation

    PROTECT

    • physical-world execution
    • on-site troubleshooting
    • dexterity and equipment interaction

    LEARN

    • AI-assisted diagnostics
    • digital documentation
    • basic AI literacy

    AI-PROOFING RESOURCES

    What this score does not mean

    The percentage is a comparative task-exposure index. It is not the probability that this occupation disappears, that a worker is laid off, or that AI can perform the entire job.

    New in V11

    Find a Safer Career Path

    High exposure does not mean starting over. V11 compares your occupation with the other 922 O*NET occupations and surfaces lower-exposure options with similar work profiles.

    EXPLORE CAREER ALTERNATIVES
    I am your guide.
    Knowledge is your strongest upgrade.